Meteorological Instruments and Weather Observation

Flashcards created to help students review key concepts of meteorological instruments and weather observation.

What is a synoptic chart?

A map that shows data from synchronous weather observations in the form of numbers.

What is a trough in meteorology?

An elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure associated with weather fronts.

What are ridges in weather charts?

Elongated extensions of areas of high pressure, bringing fair weather.

What do isobars represent on a weather chart?

Lines of equal atmospheric pressure drawn around depressions (lows) and anticyclones (highs).

What characterizes a col in meteorology?

The intersection between two high and two low-pressure systems creating neutral air.

How are troughs visually represented on weather charts?

Black lines without semi-circles or triangles indicating unstable air.

What is found in the warm sector of a frontal system?

Air trapped between a warm front and a cold front, often with low clouds and light rain.

What is the typical sea level pressure represented on weather charts?

Plotted in tenths of millibars (mb)/hPa with the leading digits omitted.

How does air circulate around high and low-pressure systems?

Outward from high-pressure centers and inward toward low-pressure centers.

What effect does the Coriolis Force have on wind?

Bends air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, creating clockwise flow around highs and counterclockwise around lows.

What are geostrophic winds?

Winds that blow roughly parallel to isobars, commonly found in the upper troposphere.

What is frontogenesis?

The process of formation of a front, involving the convergence of two distinct air masses.

What does frontolysis refer to?

The decay and dissipation of a frontal depression as one air mass overrides another.

What is a depression in meteorological terms?

A low-pressure system characterized by an area of rising air and often cloudy, wet weather.

Describe the weather associated with anticyclones.

High pressure with sinking air leading to few clouds, dry weather, and clockwise winds.

What is the Beaufort scale?

A system that uses letters and numbers to denote various weather types, especially wind strength.

What are the main types of clouds reported in meteorology?

Low, medium, and high clouds, classified by their appearance and height.

How do meteorological codes help in weather observation?

They allow for quick information exchange and processing by automated means.

What is the importance of recording weather observations?

Countries exchange information to enhance forecasts and produce global weather models.

How is wind direction estimated from a synoptic chart?

Wind direction is inferred from the positioning of isobars relative to the observer's location.

What does atmospheric pressure indicate in weather patterns?

It indicates the weight of air above a given point, influencing weather conditions.

What is an occluded front?

A weather front formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air aloft.

What is the primary function of meteorological instruments?

To measure atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and pressure.

What data is included in a standard ship station weather plot?

Wind speed/direction, temperature, dew point, atmospheric pressure, and sea state.

How is precipitation reported in meteorological observations?

By coding various types and intensities of precipitation using standardized symbols.

What does the term 'weather phenomena' refer to?

Any observable weather events, such as storms, fog, or precipitation types.

What is the purpose of a weather station plot?

To visually represent wind speed and direction, pressure, and other weather variables.

What does the meteorological term 'visibility' refer to?

The distance one can clearly see, often affected by weather conditions like fog or precipitation.

What are the characteristics of stratocumulus clouds?

Low, lumpy clouds that can indicate fair weather but may also produce light precipitation.

How is cloud cover measured?

In oktas, or eighths of the sky covered by clouds, used in weather observations.

What factors influence cloud formation?

Humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure are key factors affecting cloud formation.

How do you identify a cold front on a weather chart?

Cold fronts are typically represented by blue lines with triangles pointing in the direction of movement.

What are the signs of an impending storm?

A rapid drop in pressure, darkening sky, increased wind speed, and change in temperature.

What is the initial step in creating a synoptic chart?

Charting the position of each meteorological station and recording their observations.

What patterns do anticyclones create in the weather?

Dry, stable weather with few clouds, often covering large geographical areas for extended periods.

What is the significance of the jet stream in weather?

Fast-moving, high-altitude winds that influence weather patterns and storm systems.

How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, affecting weather and climate.

What does the term 'dew point' signify?

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and dew forms.

How do ships record weather?

By using standardized plots to communicate atmospheric and oceanographic data quickly.

What are the conditions like during a thunderstorm?

A complex weather event with wind, rain, lightning, and possibly hail or tornadoes.

What does a high pressure system typically indicate?

Fair weather, stable air, and a minimized likelihood of precipitation.